tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52547611933867000152018-08-29T05:03:30.995-07:00Gaia's Creations - Microgreens Grown with LoveThoughts and advice on growing microgreens and living a sustainable lifestyleSusan Alima Friarnoreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-35271831146573992642014-11-30T14:40:00.002-08:002014-11-30T14:41:35.512-08:00Celebrating winter with a new microgreen bounty and upcoming updated version of GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEPI am feeling inspired by the wonderful, enthusiastic reception of my recent microgreen students.<br /><div>I hope that some of my former students and folks who have read my blog etc. are growing some winter greens.</div><div><br /></div><div>There will be an updated kindle version of <i>GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEP </i>within a few weeks and right after, the paperback version will be updated.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Both will offer a simplified growing method for germinating and growing most greens in soil and a hydroponic method for all my apartment dweller friends or those who don't want to use soil.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I have ordered some spicier seeds and can't wait to start growing them. Which ones have you tried and recommend? I also ordered bull's blood beets as they have been highly recommended as producing the tastiest beet greens.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I wait for my seeds, here is what is growing in my indoor garden in Colorado:</div><div><br /></div><div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;mature &nbsp;shoot peas and tatsoi I uncovered this morning</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3N5u3kznpDk/VHuVMHLD5HI/AAAAAAAACK0/jH1u8JRXkp8/s1600/SAM_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3N5u3kznpDk/VHuVMHLD5HI/AAAAAAAACK0/jH1u8JRXkp8/s1600/SAM_0068.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">more shoot peas on their way</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXxj0xM3u90/VHuVS8s6fMI/AAAAAAAACK8/EsGiMYR-epg/s1600/SAM_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXxj0xM3u90/VHuVS8s6fMI/AAAAAAAACK8/EsGiMYR-epg/s1600/SAM_0069.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">sunflower greens coming up aplenty</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwOnMGNgap8/VHuVX_eOTBI/AAAAAAAACLE/LwD7Lr-aOik/s1600/SAM_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwOnMGNgap8/VHuVX_eOTBI/AAAAAAAACLE/LwD7Lr-aOik/s1600/SAM_0070.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Have any of you tried and liked rambo radish or another spicy microgreens?</div>Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-45427780910743395032014-11-04T16:16:00.003-08:002014-11-04T16:38:54.109-08:00Holiday Gift of a Microgreen Starter KitFor those of you in Delta County Colorado or nearby, I offer a kit to get you started on your winter garden.<br /><br />The kit includes my book: <i>GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEP, </i>two heavy duty planting trays and a solid tray to catch water drips. Also included for local folks, will be soil, two types of organic seeds and a few little accessories to assist with your start up (or that of another recipient).<br /><br />If you are purchasing a kit that you will mail, the kit can be tailored to fit your desires. The total includes my cost, shipping to me and a minimal fee<br /><br />Cost per kit is &nbsp; &nbsp;$29.95 Shipping is additional.<br /><br />If you are in the area and just want to attend a class this winter with a start up kit, send me an e-mail and I will let you know where and when the next class will be scheduled.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-46406498578530123612014-11-04T14:52:00.000-08:002014-11-04T14:52:18.451-08:00Microgreens and Micro Organisms and how they can help us allRecently David Roslin and I combined our efforts to present a workshop together. In this huge time of change for so many people, it is important that we come together as family, friends, community and make the best of what is available.<br /><br />David shared how by using what you have on hand, you can create lactobacillus to feed and break down compostible materials in your garden, in your chicken pen and more. We just touched the surface of possibilities. David will continue to share more as he gains new knowledge that will benefit all of us and Mother Earth.<br /><br />I showed folks how to plant the simplest of microgreens in the brassica family without soaking or sprouting. If you haven't started already, plant your winter garden and have fresh, lush greens in 7-10 days...most without soaking. My experience this summer and fall have proven that most seeds germinate easily in the right environment.<br /><br />In my next post I will offer a holiday gift pack for folks new to microgreens.<br /><br />During the workshop, I also took time to share about "Heaven on Earth experences" and asked participants to remember their H on E experiences and then with their "magic wand" to consider what they might create in our lovely mountain town of Paonia. Miners have been laid off from work and harvest is ending...so many folks are challenged as we head into winter. As I see the beauty of this valley and all the kind people striving to come together, I want to share <u>my vision of Heaven of Earth </u>and ask you, the reader, to find yours and strive to create one simply as you approach each new day.<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">"Heaven on Earth is</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: 26px;">creating food sustainability by nurturing the soil of our earthly Garden everyday with love&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: 26px;">and seeing us all as part of the same village co-creating together.”&nbsp;</span><br /><br />Whoever is elected on this election day, we all must strive to create a healthy world together. What can we each do...one small action to make this happen?<br /><br />Hope you are enjoying a beautiful day and feeling support from those around you.<br /><br /><br />Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-14484369955834222952014-10-07T16:11:00.000-07:002014-10-08T09:50:23.028-07:00Fall on the Western Slope in Colorado....Preparing for WinterWinter seems to be coming one day and then we have lovely 70+ degree weather the next. Unfortunately, most gardens have been hit by a hungry group of grass hoppers so as much as I don't want to see this lovely weather go along with my outdoor garden, I am eager for a couple of good frosts to end the grasshopper attack in hopes that my kale and tatsoi will survive and thrive into winter.<br /><br />So with my indoor garden, I have started kale, tatsoi and am allowing some to grow into larger plants and just planted seeds of broccoli, purple kohlrabi, beets, &nbsp;kale and sunflowers. My friend, David Roslin, and I are hosting a couple of workshops on Bokashi composting and Microgreens in a couple of weeks.<br /><br />Have any of you tried Bokashi composting? Living in the woods where bears and other hungry critters would love to explore a compost pile, the fermenting process in the Bokashi method makes the vegetable matter less appealing. I will share more about this wonderful and easy method in the next blog.<br /><br />For now, I just want to share that I have successfully growing a number of brassica microgreens (which I normally soak for 8 hours and sprout) without soaking or sprouting. Pictures will be forthcoming of my second crops once they take off.<br /><br />Remember you don't need direct sunlight for microgreens. The only ones that really seem to like it direct are sunflowers. I have been planting many more sunflower seeds successfully in a small tray (5.31 x 14.5" x almost 3" high) about 1/3 cup and getting great germination. I am planting my broccoli and other small microgreens smaller apart which is easier with them being dry...about 1/2 teaspoon dry in the same size tray. Then I transplant some into a larger tray (see below) and am growing them to be much larger...with a little liquid seaweed fertilizer once they are a couple of weeks old.<br /><br />They are all on a three level rack(see below) which makes it easy to water on the solid trays (also from GreenhouseMegastore.com). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xB3B2zpoAho/VDRvart4p6I/AAAAAAAACEA/OUpdCuVSS2I/s1600/IMG_0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xB3B2zpoAho/VDRvart4p6I/AAAAAAAACEA/OUpdCuVSS2I/s1600/IMG_0485.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehvAs01uVOs/VDRvaW1bl3I/AAAAAAAACD8/yvE7EBR1mBU/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehvAs01uVOs/VDRvaW1bl3I/AAAAAAAACD8/yvE7EBR1mBU/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IfUl1epftvo/VDRvX8hAHNI/AAAAAAAACD0/wV-Xl2tCMqY/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IfUl1epftvo/VDRvX8hAHNI/AAAAAAAACD0/wV-Xl2tCMqY/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here are a couple of pics from the Western Slope of CO: Black Canyon and McClure Pass<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2C7pLPdA8vY/VDRx7RNM_eI/AAAAAAAACEQ/BdVB0b82svw/s1600/Black%2BCanyon%2B--Gunnison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2C7pLPdA8vY/VDRx7RNM_eI/AAAAAAAACEQ/BdVB0b82svw/s1600/Black%2BCanyon%2B--Gunnison.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6k0W29HNO0o/VDRx9jNvrvI/AAAAAAAACEY/T5AuUgBwo8o/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6k0W29HNO0o/VDRx9jNvrvI/AAAAAAAACEY/T5AuUgBwo8o/s1600/image.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Happy Fall to all!Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-14333157635739262402014-08-24T09:27:00.000-07:002014-08-24T09:27:10.877-07:00Buckwheat as a microgreen,support for garden pests, attractor of beneficial insects, and soil enrichmentWow, if you haven't grown buckwheat as a microgreen or as a cover crop or pest deterrent, check out this article and look forward to many benefits of this valuable plant.<br />This is an excerpt from a much more comprehensive view of buckwheat: &nbsp;http://www.growveg.com/growblogpost.aspx?id=184<br /><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #5a8629; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 5px;">Battling Bugs with Buckwheat</h2><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">Buckwheat flowers attract honeybees and other pollinators with their<a href="http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/buckwheat.html" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">morning nectar flow</a>, but they also support healthy populations of smaller beneficial insects. Mounting evidence suggests that blooming buckwheat give a significant boost to important beneficial species, particularly&nbsp;<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoverfly" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">hoverflies</a>&nbsp;(properly known as&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/syrphid_flies.html" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Syrphid flies</a>&nbsp;but commonly called hoverflies because of their seemingly effortless ability to hover). On both sides of the Atlantic, researchers are finding that growing buckwheat nearby can deter pests of potato, broccoli, green beans, and other vegetable crops, in part by providing abundant food for female hoverflies. Most&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipm.msu.edu/natural-enemies/flies-hover.htm" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">hoverfly larvae</a>&nbsp;are too small to see without a magnifying glass, but they are voracious predators of aphids and other small, soft-bodied insects.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">Organic growers who use buckwheat as a primary pest-prevention strategy have found that it’s important to grow buckwheat within about 20 feet (6 meters) of crop plants, which is easily done in a garden. Upright yet spindly, buckwheat plants have such shallow roots that they are easy to pull up with the flick of a wrist. A few buckwheat seeds sown among&nbsp;<a href="http://blogs.cce.cornell.edu/cvp/files/2011/01/Buckwheat-Strips-to-Attact-Beneficials-CPBL1.pdf" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">potatoes</a>&nbsp;are known to confuse potential pests, and a broad band of buckwheat makes a fine beneficial backdrop for strawberries. Throughout the summer, I sow buckwheat in any spot bigger than a dinner plate that won’t be planted for a few weeks. With good weather, buckwheat can go from seed to bloom in a little over a month.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">Here are my two uses: as a microgreen..and as a cover crop and support for my raised bed garden.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">The microgreens are easy to grow and are pretty hearty in size and very mild in taste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTdD_Ut3adM/U_oPIQwXzOI/AAAAAAAAB-o/nPQhGMG-iWk/s1600/buckwheat%2Blettuce.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTdD_Ut3adM/U_oPIQwXzOI/AAAAAAAAB-o/nPQhGMG-iWk/s1600/buckwheat%2Blettuce.JPG" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;As some of you heard, I didn't plant my garden until late July (except for buckwheat cover crop). So I have a rich crop of buckwheat nourishing my soil (which was rather depleted). I removed a lot of it today as you may be able to see in the last photo.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecO_EeshtJA/U_oPuW9dKRI/AAAAAAAAB-0/YDpDDHCixcQ/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ecO_EeshtJA/U_oPuW9dKRI/AAAAAAAAB-0/YDpDDHCixcQ/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2MKTcrzua4/U_oRg459d_I/AAAAAAAAB_A/Ui2DBP6czns/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2MKTcrzua4/U_oRg459d_I/AAAAAAAAB_A/Ui2DBP6czns/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am hoping to harvest a few green beans, beets, tatsoi, kale, spinach, lettuce etc. and maybe a cauliflower.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What are you growing in your garden?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-32808697587050542142014-08-15T20:36:00.000-07:002014-08-16T17:54:53.405-07:00Summer Learning in Colorado mountains and delicious ways to enjoy your microgreensWell, we are back from our travels, and our neighbors: mama and baby bears have moved on. My fall garden is planted and happily accepting transplanted microgreens of tatsoi and kale. My cover crop of buckwheat (which I planted in June) came back to life after our return with regular watering, and hopefully will improve our clay soil. Today I'll share microgreens and soon I'll takes some pics of the outdoor raised bed garden.<br /><br />I promised to share sunflower greens, pea shoots, buckwheat, kale and tatsoi with a friend. So, I planted a whole small tray of each. This dry climate slows down sunflowers a bit, but the rest are thriving. Also I found that my last harvest of sunflowers looked a bit scraggly, so I gave everything a shot of seaweed fertilizer. I think it was worth doing as the sunflowers really improved and have good sturdy stalks. Everyone else appreciated one dose of diluted liquid seaweed fertilizer from our local organic gardening store.<br /><br />I am starting an experiment with my next planting. I love microgreens...yet I do want larger broccoli, kale and tatsoi. So I planted my smallest tray with about 8-10 tatsoi and will plant maybe 20 broccoli tomorrow in another small tray. As my beautiful plants grow to a healthy 2-3 inches tall when I transplant them, why not get that first growth and use less seeds initially?<br /><br />What are you planting inside or out this summer?<br /><br />Here are some pics from my current crop: a jungle of shoot peas, buckwheat greens, tatsoi and kale.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msUR6L57ZSs/U-7PHGFEjOI/AAAAAAAAB9M/u-wMGzERkeU/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msUR6L57ZSs/U-7PHGFEjOI/AAAAAAAAB9M/u-wMGzERkeU/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1_iFRA3e4s/U-7PEmyRYEI/AAAAAAAAB88/4rbhrMUBsQc/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1_iFRA3e4s/U-7PEmyRYEI/AAAAAAAAB88/4rbhrMUBsQc/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c2VjAYqsH44/U-7PEp5-g2I/AAAAAAAAB9A/jqd3sSvrWBQ/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c2VjAYqsH44/U-7PEp5-g2I/AAAAAAAAB9A/jqd3sSvrWBQ/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uPGg5PeSt4c/U-7PUicxvEI/AAAAAAAAB9U/KMRLJSV1pfg/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uPGg5PeSt4c/U-7PUicxvEI/AAAAAAAAB9U/KMRLJSV1pfg/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>So what do I do with these beauties: first I make a smoothie with:<br />1/2 c. coconut milk (I use Edward's Coconut cream from Vitacost or locally)<br />1/2-1 banana (or avocado)<br />1/3 c. blueberries (and one piece of fruit i.e. peach)<br />1 cup of microgreens<br />1 tsp peeled fresh &nbsp;or less of ground ginger<br />1 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />optional: hempseed, chia seed, goji berries<br /><br />Depending on how thick you like it, you can add ice or more liquid. I also will put in 1-2Tb. cacao powder and 2 Tb. sweetener for a change sometimes.<br /><br />Later, I have my new favorite salad topped with microgreens. It comes from Danielle Walker's cookbook:<br /><i>Against All Grains.</i><br /><i><br /></i>Essentially it is a cole slaw with various cabbage, julienned carrots, steamed broccoli, sweet peppers and fresh basil. I make a double recipe (about 4+ cups of vegs) and double dressing and let it flavor the vegs for half an hour before diving in and topping it with microgreens.<u> Danielle also includes a fresh mango in her version.</u><br /><br />The dressing is awesome:<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Thai ”Peanut” Vinaigrette <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 ½ Tb. Almond butter<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 ½ Tb. Cilantro (I usually put in basil instead since we both love it)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 Tb. Coconut aminos or soy sauce<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 Tb. Apple cider vinegar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 tsp. minced garlic<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 inch piece ginger, peeled and grated<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1/4 tsp. sea salt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">¼ c. melted coconut oil<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Place all ingredients, <b>except oil,</b> in blender or small food processor. Blend until smooth.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">With machine on, slowly drizzle in the oil in a steady stream. Continue until all emulsified.<o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Note: I use less oil than it says and sometimes add a little more salt, ginger, vinegar and basil to pick up the flavors further.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy...more ideas to come....</div><br /><br />Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-71387426237140540042014-06-05T19:16:00.005-07:002014-06-05T19:16:35.717-07:00Summer is hereWith our weather in the mid to high 80's, we seem to have had a very brief spring though the night temperature dropped 59 degrees! Mountain living is wonderful at this time of year.<br />I want to share a couple of sunsets from our mountain retreat(winter followed by spring sunset) followed by a couple of new plantings and some info on growing microgreens in this dry climate.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fD7_rg5LpJs/U5Ec36itDsI/AAAAAAAABiE/Mvs3-G6E2Dg/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fD7_rg5LpJs/U5Ec36itDsI/AAAAAAAABiE/Mvs3-G6E2Dg/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8hqF3fOpTw/U5EczIkXJ4I/AAAAAAAABhs/XjEMUfcD7S0/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8hqF3fOpTw/U5EczIkXJ4I/AAAAAAAABhs/XjEMUfcD7S0/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are a couple of our neighbors..........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5gzu5y68pY/U5Ec6u9RtoI/AAAAAAAABiM/x8v9NQ0IsiQ/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5gzu5y68pY/U5Ec6u9RtoI/AAAAAAAABiM/x8v9NQ0IsiQ/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;I planted this mizuna dry and covered it well in its bed of well moistened soil and topped it with a damp paper towel and an inverted tray. In just 3 days ...in this very dry climate, it was poking up through the soil.<br />Microgreens need to be watered at least twice a day and sometimes three times each day until they germinate.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SI1lyZCg93k/U5Ec1zZnR8I/AAAAAAAABh4/pGCKgfZodY4/s1600/mizuna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SI1lyZCg93k/U5Ec1zZnR8I/AAAAAAAABh4/pGCKgfZodY4/s1600/mizuna.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And below is buckwheat lettuce...very mild and pleasant. (And a great cover crop for your garden). This is soaked overnight, sprouted a couple of days (it is quick in this dry climate) and only took about five days to be ready to eat at this warm time of year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IaFVh9_grts/U5Ec0l1PtOI/AAAAAAAABh8/-2kbWgASlLk/s1600/buckwheat+lettuce.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IaFVh9_grts/U5Ec0l1PtOI/AAAAAAAABh8/-2kbWgASlLk/s1600/buckwheat+lettuce.JPG" height="160" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy and please let me know if I can be of assistance. We all need to grow some of our food year round, and this takes a few minutes a day. The greens can be cut and stored for about 7 days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-88798492873447127962014-06-01T18:17:00.001-07:002014-06-02T06:28:55.579-07:00Happy June! Greetings from the GardenWe are finally feeling that spring is here to stay. Actually, it is feeling like summer this week.. As you will see in my photos, while I am still growing microgreens, I am also experimenting in my mini greenhouse until later in the summer when we will plant raised beds with fencing to protect from the deer etc.<br /><br />A friend is also teaching me how to do Bokashi composting...something you start inside with effective microorganisms used to begin breaking down the ingredients. Have any of you tried it?<br /><br />What are you growing inside or out? Hope you are enjoying the opportunity to grow something for your spirit and your stomach. The tatsoi and kale were started as microgreens and transplanted with a feeding of seaweed fertiizer.<br /><br />We are also going to grow swamp milkweed for our monarch butterflies. Is anyone growing particular flowers for the butterflies and any other pollinators?<br /><br />Here is kale from microgreens .<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4F_NKYvA9c/U4vNJmBSGQI/AAAAAAAABgw/qKXbSfKr5Bw/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4F_NKYvA9c/U4vNJmBSGQI/AAAAAAAABgw/qKXbSfKr5Bw/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Here is my own salad ready to harvest: deer tongue lettuce and spinach.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oniqpz4Z7xo/U4vNKsgIetI/AAAAAAAABg4/9W2u0L7algQ/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oniqpz4Z7xo/U4vNKsgIetI/AAAAAAAABg4/9W2u0L7algQ/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>In the foreground is tatsoi transplanted from my microgreens.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRc-RG0kfbg/U4P8inzhfcI/AAAAAAAABfM/_a9xIefXw_o/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRc-RG0kfbg/U4P8inzhfcI/AAAAAAAABfM/_a9xIefXw_o/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;This is our mini greenhouse to &nbsp;fend off the deer and protect tender plants from many freezing nights we have had this spring.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bs08MfDEGA4/U4P8265azQI/AAAAAAAABfc/vQbW1cy0SDo/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bs08MfDEGA4/U4P8265azQI/AAAAAAAABfc/vQbW1cy0SDo/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>I have been teaching some folks how to grow microgreens...great way to have your greens if you don't want a garden in the ground. Protect your greens from deer and birds if they are outside ...I use netting when they come out on a table.<br /><br /><br />May you find peace inside and out as we move into summer.<br /><br />My book is still available on Amazon. Here is the link&nbsp;<a href="http://alturl.com/5a68z">Growing Microgreens Step by Step</a><br /><br />&nbsp;And drop me a note if I can help or answer questions: gaiacreations@live.com or on facebook at Gaiascreations.Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-3609951674043144572014-03-20T21:14:00.002-07:002014-03-20T21:21:23.705-07:00HAPPY SPRING and COME TO MY MICROGREEN CLASS IN PAONIA COHope you are enjoy the spring days as well as the blustery ones. We are staying ready for snow or spring. What are you growing inside or out?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKfJIxgngsk/Uyu69M0xM-I/AAAAAAAAA0k/aVuZBhD7z_k/s1600/tasoi+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKfJIxgngsk/Uyu69M0xM-I/AAAAAAAAA0k/aVuZBhD7z_k/s1600/tasoi+close+up.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div><br />Due to the 5-7 deer who visit daily, we are not planting an outdoor garden yet. When we put up a seven foot fence, we will be ready to go.<br /><br />This is some yummy tatsoi which are thriving in our little house. You can plant tatsoi dry, and in a few days, the seeds will have rooted and be looking for the sun. Tatsoi is a mild mustard which has a spoon shape. It is lovely at all stages and delicious. Broccoli is coming next and then maybe I will celebrate spring with some sunflower greens.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wyip0ZziiKc/Uyu7sX7wwlI/AAAAAAAAA0w/bxTp2R_HXzw/s1600/deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wyip0ZziiKc/Uyu7sX7wwlI/AAAAAAAAA0w/bxTp2R_HXzw/s1600/deer.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><br />And here are a couple of our neighbors. Look this way guys....<br />My next microgreen class will be on Sunday, April 6th at 1PM at the<br />Trading Post, &nbsp;15495 Black Bridge Road in Paonia, CO. Cost $15 or a trade may be possible. Contact me at gaiascreations@live.com if you are interested.Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-65730546718160159462014-03-05T14:13:00.001-08:002014-03-05T14:14:56.526-08:00Thriving in ColoradoAfter a series of cloudy, stormy, snowy and now rainy days, I started growing kale microgreens. I have shared them at a local fiber event at our wonderful library as well as at our co-op, A class will be offered at each location this spring. I would love to hear how you are sharing your microgreens with family and friends and any suggestions for the rest of us growing these beauties.<br /><br />As we heat mostly with wood, I was a bit concerned on how the greens would do at night when temperatures drop to a comfortable 60 degrees F or so. That was no problem, and our daytime temps from 60 to 85 F when the windows let lots of solar energy in were fine. I protected the greens which had not rooted from any sun, and moved the rooted ones into less direct light after a couple of hours.<br /><br />My first crops include: lacinto kale, mizuna and broccoli . So far I am already half way through the kale with a number of new shoots from those which were crowded out the first time.<br /><br />Next is a purple mizuna which still has a day or two to go. As they are planted dry in damp soil etc., they take a while to push up through the soil.<br /><br />Broccoli is a little slower than kale,<br /><br />Here are some pics of my first two crops: kale is 7 days old at top and 13 days old (we have eaten several cups full so far) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>in second pic. The purple kohlrabi is 7 days old and from a local farm: Small Potatoes Farm<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pp3rn1VO6IU/Uxedvb2fqwI/AAAAAAAAAzg/wuc5rVy6L5I/s1600/p+kohlrabi+sm+pots+farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pp3rn1VO6IU/Uxedvb2fqwI/AAAAAAAAAzg/wuc5rVy6L5I/s1600/p+kohlrabi+sm+pots+farm.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GG5qxu9xI0w/Uxea-9glbSI/AAAAAAAAAy8/kh85OieARvU/s1600/1st+kale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GG5qxu9xI0w/Uxea-9glbSI/AAAAAAAAAy8/kh85OieARvU/s1600/1st+kale.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c76mxKEt5qI/Uxedw0Nh-CI/AAAAAAAAAzk/2F6uVIZVHcA/s1600/current+kale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c76mxKEt5qI/Uxedw0Nh-CI/AAAAAAAAAzk/2F6uVIZVHcA/s1600/current+kale.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvpCwTBY8dQ/UxehKNm1rDI/AAAAAAAAAz0/VqqoL5kR0z8/s1600/p.kohlrabi+sm+pots+farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvpCwTBY8dQ/UxehKNm1rDI/AAAAAAAAAz0/VqqoL5kR0z8/s1600/p.kohlrabi+sm+pots+farm.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let me know how your microgreen garden grows!&nbsp;</div>Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-53989997065962873992014-02-09T14:47:00.001-08:002014-02-09T14:47:46.612-08:00Greetings from Snowy PaoniaWe have just moved into our new home and soon will be planting microgreens. A wild turkey and a lovely doe came by to greet us today or maybe they were wondering when I will plant something for them to eat.<br /><br />We are at about 5,600 ft. altitude with lovely passive solar windows just waiting for me to unpack my seeds, get some soil and get started on a new crop.<br /><br />I have been neglecting my blog and enjoying being a grandmother with my daughter and her first child, a darling little girl. I will share some pics of our new home in Colorado and our precious granddaughter. Back soon!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FaeBUA9Vs2E/UvgFTA1wkaI/AAAAAAAAAwM/PBqrAMqOok0/s1600/Paonialivrm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FaeBUA9Vs2E/UvgFTA1wkaI/AAAAAAAAAwM/PBqrAMqOok0/s1600/Paonialivrm.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6APjfdiAa48/UvgFZmWut3I/AAAAAAAAAwU/aetKIAxwyKU/s1600/L&amp;Nana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6APjfdiAa48/UvgFZmWut3I/AAAAAAAAAwU/aetKIAxwyKU/s1600/L&amp;Nana.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-66983034067310525812014-01-07T11:46:00.001-08:002014-01-07T11:46:06.398-08:00Winter Hints for Growing MicrogreensWherever you live, winter is here and we all feel it. My husband is still on Kauai, and I am in Colorado. He reported a temperature of 63 degrees yesterday...brrr...while I report about 20 degrees F.<br /><br />So what do you need to do differently to grow microgreens in the winter? If your home temperature &nbsp;averages 65 degrees F or greater, you are probably going to do fine. The seeds may propagate a little more slowly.<br /><br />If you have some concern, you could purchase a propagation mat &nbsp;for them, such as:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/product/seedling-propagation-mat/heat-mats-chambers">http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/product/seedling-propagation-mat/heat-mats-chambers</a>. I used this to get the seeds rooted after soaking and sprouting (<u>or not</u> as my book recommends for certain seeds). Chilly window sills might be avoided during the initial rooting and cover the planting tray with an inverted planting tray. I sometimes continue doing this at night during cooler periods.<br /><br />All microgreens seeds like any other plant seeds, need consistent damp soil and darkness until they root and appear on the soil surface. Most microgreens do not need any direct sunlight or grow lights except for sunflower greens. All microgreens will appreciate indirect light once they have rooted. Air flow as suggested in my book is also important. Our houses need to be warm and insulated in the winter while allowing some air movement.<br /><br />Feel free to ask questions or send me pictures if you need support. I can be reached at gaiascreations@live.com<br /><br />Happy Growing!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-54352370060932978662014-01-04T17:55:00.003-08:002014-01-04T18:18:37.295-08:00Happy New Year and New HomeTo start off this new year, my husband and I have moved to Colorado to be closer to my daughter and her family and the newest member, Leila Noel, born December 19th. So, while I apologize for not writing in the past month, with moving, finding a new home in Colorado and helping my daughter, I took a most important break.<br /><br />It has been an exciting time. My first grand child whom you will see below. My husband and I will move into our new home later this month and I will start a new crop of microgreens.<br /><br />Growing microgreens is another miracle birth for me. This sweet grand child grew for nine months, and was well worth waiting for. Your microgreens take 1-2 weeks on average...and a minimum of care.<br /><br />So, if you haven't taken the leap yet, check out my book on Amazon.com<br /><i>GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEP. </i>You will also find&nbsp;some informative reviews. And do enjoy receipes in the book or on this blog.<br /><br />Start with a "no fail" crop from the brassica family and feel free to send me questions on the blog if you have any. And I love pictures. &nbsp;So, here is our little miracle: a 9 month crop gift :<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFLOusE5phc/Usi61HE5kBI/AAAAAAAAAts/ti4NsGc0R4A/s1600/Sue-Leila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFLOusE5phc/Usi61HE5kBI/AAAAAAAAAts/ti4NsGc0R4A/s320/Sue-Leila.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here I am with Leila at about 4 days old</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lwp-kck4SA/Usi7FQYKfKI/AAAAAAAAAt0/b9aiBrZjP_U/s1600/Mohala.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lwp-kck4SA/Usi7FQYKfKI/AAAAAAAAAt0/b9aiBrZjP_U/s320/Mohala.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>One of my regular customers learns to grow her own greens.Before I left Kauai, four year old Mohala and I are pictured learning to grow sunflower greens. We are checking to be sure our soil is damp enough before we plant our sprouted sunflower seeds.<br /><br /><br />Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-75434387906338261962013-11-25T14:21:00.001-08:002013-11-25T14:24:52.696-08:00FEELING GRATEFUL WITH GIFTS TO OURSELVES AND OTHERS<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Greetings as we move into the holiday season</b></span>. Each year as I grow older and more into savouring life, appreciating the experiences and the people, I choose to see how to expand my holiday giving.<br /><br />My gifting is going to first <i>remember the giver</i>. Ah yes-- not what most people expect. So, let's get down to it.<br /><br />First, I will gift myself time to meditate (even 5-10 minutes) daily and some exercise...yoga, walking, breathing in the crisp air.<br /><br />Now what would you like? I offer you a couple of gift ideas for your holiday giving:<br /><br />1) <b>For the giver:</b>&nbsp;putting yourself on your calendar several times each week for whatever you need or want: meditation, yoga, a walk, meeting a friend, taking a moment to be mindful, present and aware of how your body feels, breathing into tight places and releasing them and loving yourself for doing this.<br /><br />2) <b>For the family, friends, kids:&nbsp;</b><br />A gift of your time. Who do you know that you don't see often and who would love a visit.<br />A gift of a foot rub, shoulder rub or just your listening ear and smile.<br />A gift of a pot of microgreens and a card with a link to a resource for supplies or even my book on Amazon.com<br />A gift of 30 minutes to plant microgreens with friends, children, someone who is house bound (i.e. many don't require soaking and can be planted anytime)<br />A gift of patience with yourself and others when life feels stressful over the holidays<br /><br />3) <b>A gift of my book</b><br />Is there a teacher who would share this with his or her class if they knew how? Let me know.<br />Is there someone you know who misses the taste and smell of spring on these long, often grey winter days who needs a way to bring spring inside and grow something simple?<br /><br />I am here to support what I love which is community and the opportunity for each of us to find ways to stretch without breaking, to love without condition, and to give to ourselves and each other as truly works for one and all.<br /><br />Here are examples of what I call love in nature's own voice. My 4 year old friend who harvests sunflower microgreens each week for her family and one beautiful crop of shoot peas next to broccoli and kale.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvLII2APs3o/Uo_nDouTyXI/AAAAAAAAArM/WaymKt7WLSU/s1600/moh+harvest+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvLII2APs3o/Uo_nDouTyXI/AAAAAAAAArM/WaymKt7WLSU/s320/moh+harvest+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kIUGeHwyHkE/Uo_nYLAiO6I/AAAAAAAAArU/X6bzj9DtuYw/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kIUGeHwyHkE/Uo_nYLAiO6I/AAAAAAAAArU/X6bzj9DtuYw/s320/DSC_0040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />May your Thanksgiving flow easily with abundant sharing by all.Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-7564225060084147122013-11-15T21:00:00.000-08:002013-11-16T08:43:14.408-08:00Beets Dijon and How to create your own Indoor Winter Garden<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Welcome&nbsp;<a href="http://virtualveganpotluck.com/" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #111111; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Virtual Vegan Potluckers</a>!</b>&nbsp; Today is the day over 160 vegan blogs have linked up to share yummy recipes&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">and inspiration in one virtual potluck! &nbsp;Even though you may need a couple of days to explore all these delectable ideas, be sure to click all the way through, as there are both beautiful and delicious desserts waiting for you at the end—</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And now I welcome you to the Gaia's Creations where with Mother Earth, and I collaborate to grow her tiniest plants-- like beets which are so rich in color and flavor, and when you add some Dijon mustard and a complement of other tastes and seasonings, yum!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Here is a new twist for the adventurous</b>. It is easy and fun. Just look around this page at all the magnificent color you get in one planting of beet seed. This is an introduction to whet your appetite. Later in this post, I have an offer for you with the support of <u>Todd of&nbsp;Todd's Seeds and Annie of An Unrefined Vegan.</u></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Now to my recipe for <b>"<i>A Winter Salad of Beets Dijon and Friends</i>" </b>which is&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">followed by</span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> how to of grow beet microgreens</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;<b>I am offering&nbsp;</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">a planting's worth of beet seeds to get started (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and a packet of no fail "kale" seeds) to the</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>&nbsp;first five</b> adventurous folks who respond,&nbsp;<b>and sign up f</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>or my blog and send me an e-mail with their contact info at gaiascreations@live.com</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u><br /></u></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>To get more tips on growing and using microgreens in your recipes</b>, sign up on this blog where I will share hints and answer questions (See below to get my step by step book**).&nbsp;</span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>DILLED BEETS DIJON and FRIENDS</b> &nbsp;(serves 4)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">6 medium sized firm beets, organic&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;(3 cups total)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">one small organic carrot, peeled and julienned&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 scallion, sliced thinly</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup <u>toasted</u> pine nuts, almonds or cashews</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Dressing</b>: In an upright blender, place the following ingredients and</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">blend until desired consistency: smooth or still a little crunchy</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2/3 cup &nbsp;cashews pieces</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 Tb. fresh lime juice</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">6 Tb. fresh orange juice</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2-3 Tb. Dijon or spicy mustard</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1-2 tsp. fresh ginger, peeled and grated</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/4 cup coconut water (fresh if possible) or water</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 tsp. sea salt and fresh ground pepper</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tsp. Dill weed</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Greens: spinach or colorful mix of lettuces</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Beet microgreens: 1/2 cup (see below how to grow these gems)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and other Microgreens: spicy radish, buttery buckwheat "lettuce" or kale or another beauty, purple kohlrabi -- see picture below</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Directions:</b>&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Scrub beets and trim ends. Steam them 10 to 15 minutes, until them are just tender, adding the julienned carrot in the last five minutes.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Peel the beets. Dice and toss with the carrots and some of the Dijon dressing. (You will probably have extra dressing). Let flavors meld in your refrigerator for a while or cool to room temperature . Toss vegetables with one cup of greens. Finally, garnish the top of the salad with toasted nuts, sliced scallion and beet microgreens.</span><br /><u style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></u><u style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Beets Microgreens</b>: </span></u><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;Read through the whole page and then focus on the planting steps at the bottom. These little seeds contain 5-6 beet plants each in their seed shell. Scarifying (crushing them gently) will help them to germinate in greater numbers and more easily.. Here is all you need:</span><br /><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Supplies:</b><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 small plastic planting trays <b>with holes</b> or one clam shell container with its top (from fruit purchased at the market) or a plastic pot at least 4” in diameter<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A bottle to mist the micro garden or sprayer on your sink or hose.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Organic potting soil (enough to fill your container to about 1” from top)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A sandwich size bag you can seal. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Paper towel cut to size of container opening<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rolling pin or a wine or smooth bottle</span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Process:</b><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">Take dry seeds and put about 2-3 tablespoons in a zip lock bag. Seal bag while removing air. With a rolling pin, carefully roll back and forth several times over the seed firmly enough to break into the outer crust, but not go through crust fully. You will not necessarily see any change visually.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fill your tray ¾ full with organic soil which you have&nbsp;</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">thoroughly dampened</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;and broken up any clumps of dirt. Flatten the surface evenly pressing down the soil a bit.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Then take the seed and spread it over the soil surface.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;Cover the seeds completely with one more thin layer more of soil (1/8"). Mist soil well and cover with a paper towel which you dampen and then finally&nbsp;cover the tray with an inverted tray to help hold in moisture and allow air to flow in..&nbsp;</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Note: </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you use a clamshell container which has holes in top and bottom, the top acts as a dome until the germinated seeds lift up the towel. Place your pot or container on a tray to catch moisture from watering and keep in the shade or out of the light until you uncover these beauties. You uncover when they push up the paper towel. Leave the cover off then and put them under a light or where light comes in a window.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Here is your planting order:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">1)&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #222222;">Put soil in a container with holes (for drainage) so it is within 1” of the top of your planting tray or pot. (Don’t use clay as it sucks out moisture). Moisten soil thoroughly and allow excess moisture to drain. <u>Flatten top of soil </u>with a piece of cardboard or another container the same size to even the soil surface.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">2)&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #222222;">Spread “scarified” seeds onto the surface of the soil. Cover these with 1/8” loose soil and press down firmly but gently.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3) Cover with a paper towel. Dampen thoroughly. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">4)&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #222222;">Place an inverted planting tray with holes on top.</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;Keep in the shade where there is good air flow. Mist with water when your towel is dry..usually once or twice a day.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5) Uncover the seedlings when they push up most of the paper towel.</span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">The&nbsp;beets will take up to a week (+ or -)&nbsp;to begin to show above soil in 65-70 degree temperature in your home or patio. Mist thoroughly&nbsp;<u>only when the</u> <u>paper towel is somewhat dry</u>. Once the plants are lifting the paper towel, uncover&nbsp;beets. Move them to indirect light. Beets love some sun…just don’t roast them. Now water when soil is almost dry and allow soil to almost dry out before watering again. The roots need consistent moisture (not soaking them). They only take a few days after being uncovered to be ready to eat!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Water as needed <u><b>up to</b></u>12 hours before harvesting (or they will hold too much water).&nbsp;</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Start cutting them (with scissors) just above the soil when they are &nbsp;1-1 1/2 “tall. If you store any microgreens,</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;layer them with a paper towel or cloth in a container in the refrigerator. Wash greens when you are ready to eat them.</span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><u style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Always be sure to keep your growing greens’ soil moist. Since the seeds were not soaked, they may dry out faster.</u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I recommend that you water thoroughly once the cover is off and allow the soil to <u>almost</u> dry out before watering again.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="Standard" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UjQIVmg7vU/Un1QUhL0kiI/AAAAAAAAAqM/MsYbSGI5H8A/s1600/beets.+kale,+radish,+purpkohlrabi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UjQIVmg7vU/Un1QUhL0kiI/AAAAAAAAAqM/MsYbSGI5H8A/s320/beets.+kale,+radish,+purpkohlrabi.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><u>On November 19th</u>, at www.anunrefinedvegan.com</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;I will offer a guest post &nbsp;with a contest for my book, **&nbsp;<i><a href="http://tinyurl.com/m92jcs8">GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEP</a></i>&nbsp;and some seeds from www.toddsseeds.com</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><u>Above</u> are &nbsp;beet, kale, crimson radish and purple kohlrabi microgreens.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xiqTNQExRk/Un2H_Tj7eoI/AAAAAAAAAqc/GV_oZs7oCHw/s1600/beetsdijon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xiqTNQExRk/Un2H_Tj7eoI/AAAAAAAAAqc/GV_oZs7oCHw/s400/beetsdijon.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;Here is one version of Beets Dijon with toasted Pine Nuts</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: museosansrounded, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;">To proceed to the&nbsp;</span><span style="border: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: museosansrounded, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">NEXT</span></b><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: museosansrounded, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"><b>&nbsp;dish/blog</b> in the Virtual Vegan Potluck,<a href="http://thenewloaf.com/2013/11/16/quinoa-and-tofu-salad/"> thenewloaf.com</a></span><br /><b><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: museosansrounded, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;">To go&nbsp;</span><span style="border: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: museosansrounded, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">BACK</span></b><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: museosansrounded, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"><b>&nbsp;to the previous dish/blog</b> in the Virtual Vegan Potluck<a href="http://infinebalance.com/vvp-arugula-edamame-salad/"> In Fine Balance</a></span><br /><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: museosansrounded, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;">To start at the beginning of the VVP<a href="http://wp.me/p1QAYC-CR">Vegan Bloggers Unite</a></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jENBz9FoQrA/UobcI1Tx17I/AAAAAAAAAq0/0jxrz3bz1ig/s1600/vvpLOGO.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jENBz9FoQrA/UobcI1Tx17I/AAAAAAAAAq0/0jxrz3bz1ig/s1600/vvpLOGO.gif" /></a></div><br /></div></div>Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0Kapaa, HI 96746, USA22.0881391 -159.3379817999999722.029285599999998 -159.41866279999996 22.1469926 -159.25730079999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-71820528690773759172013-10-31T15:06:00.001-07:002013-11-09T17:37:31.138-08:00Aloha Kauai -- Alima's Final Microgreen Class on the island........As our first grandchild is due in December, we are moving to the mainland to be close to our family. We love Kauai and hope to return and bring some family with us!<br /><br />And I want to share with you how to grow these beautiful microgreens before I depart.<br /><br />Join me for a final class. Sunday, December 17th at 12:30pm. The cost is $25, and I have one scholarship available. The class will be in Kapa'a.The price includes sprouted seeds, soil, a sturdy planting tray and information on growing a variety of microgreens as well as resources for supplies.<br /><br />My new book&nbsp;<i>GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEP</i> is now available on kindle...check link at bottom. Paperback is also now available. At the class, I will also have paperback copies on hand.<br /><br />For anyone taking my class or purchasing a book, I am available by e-mail for coaching support.<br /><br />All supplies will be included in the class price. You will leave the class with information on growing a variety of microgreens and one tray planted with sprouted kale and ready to eat in about 5 days after the class.<br /><br />Contact me at gaiascreations@live.com for more information or to<br />register or call me at 808-482-4926. Also, feel free to make comments or ask questions through this e-mail address. <br /><br />Here is a link for the kindle version and paperback:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/nr67dbd">GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEP</a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span>Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-15531555081758264402013-10-24T18:44:00.000-07:002013-10-29T23:27:12.510-07:00Choosing Wellness TodayEveryone has a busy life. How do you add just one more task (even 5 minutes to start or plant microgreens) when you don't finish all your chores each day?<br /><br />Well, my first decision is to prioritize. What do I want to create each day?<br /><br />1) inner peace = mindfulness, meditation and no overbooking<br />2) inner health = food combining, avoiding white food (rice, flour, sugar)<br />3) inner wisdom = choosing one action or thought that nourishes all of me and hopefully others in the world. Reading a motivational book, such as "Peace in Every Step" by Thich Nhat Hanh.<br />4) fun = taking a walk/hike with my best friend (my dear husband) or reading or creating for half an hour<br /><br />So, what are your priorities to nurture yourself?<br /><br />Choose wellness by making your mental, emotional and physical health a priority so that you will have the reserves to face the world, no matter what comes your way.<br /><br />P.S. How do you like these glorious beets?<br /><br />Off to do the final edit from the proof of the paperback version of my book. It should be available from Amazon this month!!<br /><br />Here's a shortcut to the kindle version on Amazon.&nbsp;<a href="http://tinyurl.com/nr67dbd">GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEP</a><br /><br />http://tinyurl.com/n8a3hu9Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-35265517140487247112013-10-10T17:32:00.003-07:002013-10-30T14:45:24.216-07:00care, growing and harvesting of your microgreensI realize that my classes may not always give enough information in one-two hours. That's why I wrote my book.<br /><br />Everyone's environment is different as well. So, you have to pay attention. Everyday may require more or less watering. I highly recommend bottom watering for microgreens after they root and are uncovered. It only takes 30 seconds more or less depending on the root mass.<br /><br />Harvesting. For most of us, we are just cutting enough for a serving or two. So, look at the photo below as I gently lift the kale and clip with sharp scissors just above the soil. Only the small microgreens can be harvested this way. Sunflowers and shoot peas will probably come out from the roots if you try this.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXPbz8ySa60/UldGv-UBcII/AAAAAAAAAkM/VE0wfcEpyd4/s1600/harvesting+micro+kale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXPbz8ySa60/UldGv-UBcII/AAAAAAAAAkM/VE0wfcEpyd4/s320/harvesting+micro+kale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Feel free to send me questions at gaiascreations@live.com and/ or check out my book on Amazon.com&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEP</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://tinyurl.com/n8a3hu9"><span style="color: blue;">http://tinyurl.com/n8a3hu9</span></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Happy Growing!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-40276313000958476602013-10-01T17:25:00.000-07:002013-10-30T14:49:17.099-07:00My new book: GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEP <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After several months of writing, editing, photographing and experimenting with some recipes, my book entitled:&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEP</i> is complete and ready in a downloadable form appropriate for kindle or I-phone or PDF just to be read on your computer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">With clear instructions and photos, I think you will find these tasty morsels perfect additions to your salads, to garnish or complete a stir fry, to raise the green level of your smoothie or to enrich a soup. Resources, trouble shooting and much more are covered. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In addition, I have included a number of delicious recipes to show how to incorporate microgreens in your meals. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You may order this version directly from me at <a href="mailto:gaiascreations@live.com">gaiascreations@live.com</a>. It will is also available on Amazon this week. The electronic version is only $7.49. The print version is coming out early in November.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is the perfect winter garden on your windowsill, kitchen counter...wherever you have a little space for these micro vegetables.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Also included in the book are some simple thoughts on how incorporating mindfulness into my days and my gardening has helped me "destress" and breathe more softly in life. The book's focus is on the microgreens. The mindfulness tools are a bonus gift you may enjoy as you choose.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The format for the book is simple, straight forward and clear. As Jane Riley<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">, M.S., B.A., Certified Nutritional Adviser,&nbsp;</span></strong>wrote in the Foreword:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>"</b>Her well-</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">illustrated and descriptive book <i>Grow</i></span></span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">ing Microgreens</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">&nbsp;is the definitive guide to producing excellent, delicious and sustainable nutrition for yourself and your family no matter whether you live on acreage or in a one bedroom bachelor's apartment.</span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">"</b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">&nbsp;</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eLrWmsGkJHA/Uks6ZdJcIOI/AAAAAAAAAjI/rF1Eo7d9NHs/s320/Growing+Microgreens+Coverkindle.jpg" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/nr67dbd">Link to Amazon for GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEP</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><i></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i></i></span></div><br />Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-35925373198325459372013-07-24T14:37:00.002-07:002013-10-30T14:44:01.171-07:00Excerpt from my new book due out in September <span style="font-size: x-small;">Aloha, Here is the beginning of my new book which will spell out how to grow many microgreens...all tested successfully (from failure to magnificent success on a few and success and yummy goodness on all) and troubleshooting...and some recipes. It will be $7.49 to $14.75 depending on whether you want a kindle or PDF downloadable format or a printed paperback (plus shipping)...Due out in September. Here's the beginning...<i>Growing Microgreens Step by Step</i>) working on the best title for this little gem</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">HISTORY AND WHAT ARE MICROGREENS ANYWAY?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Microgreens first appeared in Southern California in the 1990’s where they quickly gained popularity among fine chefs as a fresh and delicate focus to highlight a particular dish. Soon they were included in special salads or to complement a particular dish, such as with the intense cilantro/coriander flavor, delicate textures, color and interest. &nbsp;They soon began showing up in Europe in the next decade. Many chefs have begun growing their own microgreens, knowing how easy it is and how important it is to have an herbal, floral or delicately or even hot and spicy green on hand to finish a particular presentation.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">These are actually the smallest of cultivated green plants which are harvested at a young stage (1 to 2 “ in height) as opposed to sprouts which are germinated seeds. Sprouts are soaked and then allowed to germinate in a jar or specialized container. Microgreens are sprouted and then planted on a bed of healthy soil or a synthetic mat. They are a complete plant which usually has a rich or intense flavor for its small size. And their nutritional value is becoming more and more of interest.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Grown from vegetable, herb or edible flower seeds, the whole plant is eaten: the single central stem and leaves. They are harvested just above the soil when the first two leaves or cotyledons are fully developed and the actual “true leaves” (which appear in the middle of two fully developed cotyledons) may have started to form. From seed to table is actually from 7 to 10 days. <u>And to the surprise of many, some micro greens are even more flavorful than the fully grown plants.</u> This is especially true with cilantro and basil. </span></strong><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; line-height: 115%;">From bitter, to neutral to sweet</span></u><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; line-height: 115%;">, micro-green seeds are often given a separate section in seed catalogs to provide specifics on what to expect from this power packed greens.</span><strong><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">So let’s get started…and I promise you once you see how pretty and easy these greens are, you will be ready to go. Can you believe that each week of the year, you can plant and harvest at least a half dozen plants and spend no more than five minutes a day (except maybe when you clean trays)…</span></strong><br /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></strong><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><i>GROWING MICROGREENS STEP BY STEP</i></span></strong><br /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></strong><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/nr67dbd">http://tinyurl.com/nr67dbd</a></span></strong><br /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></strong><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></strong>Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-89596278139961095472013-07-18T19:34:00.002-07:002013-10-31T23:43:43.517-07:00My Secret: Nature and I partner to create Awesome Color, Texture and Delicious Flavor in one week (and only 5 mins. a day)So, what is healthy agriculture...sounds like a lot of work...well, I have a secret...beautiful micro greens:<br /><br />Now that I am not growing greens for a farmers' market, I get to choose what I want to eat. Today, on my one set of shelves I have growing these micro greens: corn, beets, cilantro, broccoli, shoot peas and sunflowers. s<br /><br />Join me on Sunday, August 4th at 1pm ...Wailua Homesteads...Just $20 including all supplies to start your own micro green garden. I provide a simple sheet to start you out and another follow up one once you've had a few days at home to see your little miracle garden grow.<br /><br />My last class on July 14th reports their broccoli micro greens are beautiful and almost ready to eat (today is July 18th)...<br /><br />Here are a couple of pics of what you can grow: gorgeous buckwheat lettuce and a basket of shoot peas ready for stir fries, soups, smoothies.. ...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0B_PB4HD33w/UnB2fR2ls7I/AAAAAAAAAnE/wMrs4iHXm3E/s1600/peashootbasket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0B_PB4HD33w/UnB2fR2ls7I/AAAAAAAAAnE/wMrs4iHXm3E/s200/peashootbasket.JPG" width="198" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI80Rui6gTg/UnB06CPowII/AAAAAAAAAm0/-Qhqt2izB58/s1600/glor.bkwht.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI80Rui6gTg/UnB06CPowII/AAAAAAAAAm0/-Qhqt2izB58/s200/glor.bkwht.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />We will talk about shoot peas, beets, cilantro (so rich in flavor at this size), &nbsp;brassicas (kale, broccoli, radish, red or green cabbage and more), sunflower greens, buckwheat lettuce etc.<br /><br />Come play ...it's an introduction to the easiest garden you have ever dreamed of.<br /><br />You want to know more...why micro greens and why not just sprouts...check out Jane Riley's article and the one she references:<br /><a href="http://m.thegardenisland.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/tiny-sprouts-pack-a-flavorful-punch/article_7a809038-83c5-11e2-a63a-001a4bcf887a.html">http://m.thegardenisland.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/tiny-sprouts-pack-a-flavorful-punch/article_7a809038-83c5-11e2-a63a-001a4bcf887a.html</a><br /><br />Hope you will join me now or another class. Aloha!Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-23759630882699066142013-07-06T00:19:00.001-07:002013-07-06T00:19:22.307-07:00Choosing Health over Wealth....Well not exactly. I love selling at the farmers' market and recently stopped doing so in order to focus on my continued healing, reducing stress to my nervous system and making life even more joy filled. My main goal in growing micro greens is for my family...for our health and well being. &nbsp;Beyond that everyone to whom I sell or teach is a gift to me.<br /><br />So in this post, I just want to celebrate the beautiful micros: nutritious, delicious and so vibrant. I find new ways to use them regularly. My new favorite is to cream them into my soup at the end of cooking...and then top the soup with a small cluster of colorful greens. Next time I make soup, I will add a photo. I just made a slightly adapted version of a coconut, cauliflower, cumin soup (a recipe from "Food Babe")...velvety smoothness and great flavor.<br /><br />Here are some pics of my favorite micros.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PBienpNlYEs/UdfE1L5pusI/AAAAAAAAAdo/xIJ3Pplv5Ac/s1600/sun,bkwht,+brocIMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PBienpNlYEs/UdfE1L5pusI/AAAAAAAAAdo/xIJ3Pplv5Ac/s320/sun,bkwht,+brocIMG_0187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6QV4S0hYDQ/UdfE2mJaR1I/AAAAAAAAAdw/hY6udBnPd_A/s1600/beets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6QV4S0hYDQ/UdfE2mJaR1I/AAAAAAAAAdw/hY6udBnPd_A/s320/beets.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sfywIdxd8CM/UdfE41jikNI/AAAAAAAAAd4/IkZHZOJU_YU/s1600/Alima+at+mktIMG_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sfywIdxd8CM/UdfE41jikNI/AAAAAAAAAd4/IkZHZOJU_YU/s320/Alima+at+mktIMG_0201.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-27830723935176545682013-06-21T15:43:00.002-07:002013-10-29T18:35:30.738-07:00Growing More Micro greens and ways to incorporate them into your lifestyleSo, have you tried growing micro greens? If not, you might want to explore many of the websites offering suggestions or you can even get a booklet from me later this summer with a step by step guide to growing the simplest and expanding into many other seed varieties from there.<br /><br />You will have the benefit of my mistakes, my learning and successes over the past two years in dry and moist climates. I am always happy to offer support to your efforts for growing micro greens. You can contact me at gaiascreations@live.com<br /><br /><br />Also, here I will share a couple of recipes and ways to boost your nutrition by incorporating more greens in both smoothies and soups...with good flavors and yummy combos.<br /><br />For a delicious smoothie, for one person, I start with a base of<br /><br />1 cup liquid (juice, coconut water, orange juice or my favorite homemade ginger lemonade...see recipe below)<br />1 banana (fresh or frozen)<br />1/2 c. blueberries (fresh or frozen)<br />1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />1/4 tsp. ground ginger or a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger<br />1 cup of micro greens<br /><br />Additions or options: Add what you like<br /><br />1 piece of juicy fruit (peach, pear, etc.)<br />1/2 c. soaked almonds or mix with raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds<br />1 tsp. spirulina<br />1 tsp. Maca powder<br />1 tsp. flax or chia seeds<br /><br />Adjust to your liking and enjoy.<br /><br />GINGER-LEMONADE- makes enough to last you several days<br /><br />1/3 c. fresh squeezed lemon juice (not from a jar)<br />1/3 c. grated, peeled ginger (or chopped)<br />1/3 c. raw honey<br />2 qts. &nbsp;pure water<br /><br />Bring water to a boil. Turn off and add other ingredients. Cover and let sit overnight or all day. Strain out fruit and adjust to taste if needed. Refrigerate in jars with good seal. It should last 5-7 days in refrigerator.<br />Great any time or for a sore throat. Add fresh turmeric (grated) if available. Another awesome support to your body.<br /><br /><br /><br />Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-25844616450258362982013-05-11T16:38:00.000-07:002014-04-15T11:08:10.593-07:00Gaia's Spicy Microgreen Slaw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Gaia's Creations is about helping us all make more sustainable food choices. Living on Kauai, we are working to grow all we can and not depend on the mainland for 90% of our food as we have in the past. Many are saving their seeds as well. &nbsp;For now, my goal with this blog is to encourage as many folks as I can to grow organic microgreens...(tiny greens sprouted and then planted in soil). My local class: FROM SEED TO TABLE IN 7 TO 10 DAYS--offers hands on training. Below this recipe, I offer an intro for all of you. A downloadable booklet with much more information will be available later this year.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TH_lgxc_KQI/UYrFOOi9stI/AAAAAAAAAak/CfQ8FAqMS-g/s1600/Hi+Scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TH_lgxc_KQI/UYrFOOi9stI/AAAAAAAAAak/CfQ8FAqMS-g/s400/Hi+Scene.jpg" height="400" width="264" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Color, Texture and Flavor offer our eyes, nose and&nbsp;&nbsp;palate a special treat. Here are two easy to grow microgreens in a yummy salad:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gaia's Spicy Microgreen Slaw</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cup carrots, peeled and grated</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 cups of shredded red and green cabbage</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cup jicama, peeled and diced</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/3 c. radish microgreens</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/3 c. broccoli (or kale) microgreens</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Optional: 1/2 c.sunflower or pumpkin seeds</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I put carrots and cabbage through the food processor with grater blade...quick and easy.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peel your jicama from the center of top or bottom, and skin will come off more easily.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mix all but the microgreens in a bowl and toss with your dressing. Let flavors mix for an hour or so.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then add the microgreens on top with an edible flower...like nasturium.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Dressing </b>(This is a generous amount in case you have more vegs.--so go gently)</span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2/3 c. olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp. sesame oil <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1-2 Tb. Nama Shoyu or tamari<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tb. &nbsp;agave nectar<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 Tb. rice vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1Tb. Dijon mustard (or one of your choice)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp. fresh peeled and grated ginger or 1 tsp. ginger powder<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 clove minced garlic</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Enjoy! Here is a chance to start this week growing your own microgreens. </b>For a downloadable booklet, see below or printed or kindle version from Amazon.</span><br /><div class="Standard"><b><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div><div class="Standard"><b><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">STEPS TO GROWING YOUR MICRO GREENS</span></u></b><o:p></o:p><br /><b><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;"><br /></span></u></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Start with healthy soil and a clean tray with drainage holes. Use fresh, unchlorinated water. Soak desired seeds (<u>not</u> mucilaginous or beets or cilantro) in water from 6-8 hours. Rinse well twice a day, and sprout until tails are 1/4" long; put on well dampened soil, gently pressing down. Cover with 1/8" soil and dampen it. &nbsp;Cover tray with an inverted tray with holes and keeping lightly moist, allow to grow in the shade till greens are desired height.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most important are consistent watering, temperature and indirect light once they have rooted.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For more information, write gaiascreations@live.com. A simple downloadable (PDF) booklet is available.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="Standard"><br /></div><div class="Standard"><br /></div><div class="Standard"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HE1o5Aobs_M/UYrDRs2oYNI/AAAAAAAAAaY/GplhPMVJNSM/s1600/Broccoli+micros.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HE1o5Aobs_M/UYrDRs2oYNI/AAAAAAAAAaY/GplhPMVJNSM/s200/Broccoli+micros.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1CqZ36oNsyo/UYrC6oTHdvI/AAAAAAAAAaI/F8FBIV7bHsk/s1600/salad+micros.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1CqZ36oNsyo/UYrC6oTHdvI/AAAAAAAAAaI/F8FBIV7bHsk/s320/salad+micros.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><br /><div class="Standard"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div>Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5254761193386700015.post-31911192686942314462013-05-06T12:11:00.000-07:002013-05-07T18:02:07.952-07:00Upcoming Events and Opportunities to ShareMy next class will be Sunday, June 16th in Kapa'a at 1pm. I also will be teaching a class at Kauai Athletic Club in Lihue, date still to be determined, and a class for Keiki ...our future farmers!!! Feel free to contact me about any of these events at gaiascreations@live.com<br /><br />My main focus is on education. I want everyone to realize that they can have fresh, live food in 7-10 days, some of which you can keep harvesting through a second crop. Also, I have been growing wheat grass and barley grass for a few folks. I have made one batch of sprouted wheat bread. Delicious flavor with herbs, but a bit chewy for my taste. Will work on a better recipe.<br /><br />Want to grow wheat or barley grass, but don't have a juicer....I just add some to my Vita Mix and create a smoothie. Here's my recipe:<br /><br />1 cup coconut water (or other liquid: juice; kombucha etc.)<br />1 small banana<br />a handful of blueberries<br />a sprinkle of cinnamon<br />1 tsp. fresh ginger or 1/4 tsp. dried<br />1/2 tsp. fresh turmeric or 1/4 tsp. dried<br />a handful of fresh spinach or kale or kale microgreens<br />1/3 cup soaked almonds or other nuts<br />a small fistful of wheat grass<br />1/2 c. microgreens (your choice)<br /><br />Blend thoroughly. I vary this. Make it to your taste. If you are in the islands, make some ginger lemonade and add instead of other liquids. It's delicious in this drink.<br /><br />Let me know what you want to learn more about and enjoy the day!<br /><br />Susan Alima Friarhttps://plus.google.com/116969608986486900645noreply@blogger.com0